| Sermon Overview by Jerince Peter |
One of the greatest callings for believers is to serve others in a way that reflects the character and heart of God. As Psalm 146:6-9 beautifully portrays, the Triune God is a God of justice, compassion, and care for the needy and oppressed. These attributes are at the core of who He is and are echoed in the mission of Jesus Christ, as declared in Luke 4:18-19 when He read from Isaiah 61: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor..." Jesus' purpose was clear: to serve humanity. If God’s character is defined by these attributes, then the Church, created for His glory, must also embrace this mission of service.
William Carey: A Model of Sacrificial Joy
In the history of Christian missions, few stories inspire as deeply as that of William Carey, often called the "Father of Modern Missions." Carey’s journey to India in 1793 was marked by extreme hardship—poverty, loss of children, and family struggles. Yet, he pressed on, translating the Bible into several Indian languages and advocating for social reforms such as the abolition of Sati (the burning of widows). Through it all, Carey found joy in serving God’s purpose. His famous words, "Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God," echo the conviction that joyful service is rooted in trusting God’s plan, even in the face of personal suffering.
Carey’s life challenges us to examine how we serve. Are we persevering in the face of difficulties? Are we motivated by joy, knowing that our work furthers God’s kingdom? A quote from Billy Graham puts it succinctly: “We are not cisterns to receive and save, whether it is time, energy, money, joy, or the Gospel. We are called to be pipes to take them to the whole world.” Service is not just a personal act; it is a conduit for God’s blessings to reach others.
Types of Christian Service
We can categorize Christian service into several types, each reflecting different motivations and contexts:
Relational Service – Serving those in our immediate environment, such as neighbors, colleagues, and friends. This is often spontaneous and grows out of the natural relationships in our daily lives.
Obligatory Service – Service that feels forced, such as fulfilling job roles or responsibilities. This type of service may lack joy because it’s driven by external pressures.
Conditional Service – Service that comes with boundaries. We choose to serve only when it’s convenient or comfortable, placing limits on how far we’re willing to go.
Purposeful Service – The highest form of service is intentional and sacrificial, going beyond convenience. It’s about serving with a heart focused on fulfilling God’s purposes.
Lydia and Tabitha: Examples of Joyful Service
In the Bible, we find examples of women whose service impacted their communities deeply.
Tabitha (Dorcas), as described in Acts 9:36-42, was known for her compassionate acts of charity, making garments for the poor and needy. Her service was driven by compassion, and after her death, the community's grief was so profound that God raised her back to life through Peter’s prayers. Tabitha’s life teaches us the importance of serving faithfully and with a compassionate heart, trusting that God’s power will work through our efforts.
Lydia, a successful businesswoman in Philippi (Acts 16:13-15), responded to the Gospel by immediately offering her home as a place of hospitality for Paul and his companions. Her conversion led her to open her heart and resources to support the growth of the early church in Philippi. Lydia’s generosity and openness show us that God can use our position, influence, and resources for His kingdom, no matter our profession or background.
Serving Without Worry: Learning from Martha
Another key lesson on service comes from Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus, as seen in Luke 10:38-42. Martha was busy serving, but her attitude became one of frustration and anxiety. Jesus gently corrected her, not for serving, but for allowing worry to consume her. The message here is powerful: when we serve, it should be without grumbling or distraction. Instead, we should serve with joy and peace, trusting in God’s provision.
The Ultimate Example: Jesus Christ
In all these examples, the most perfect model of servanthood is Jesus Christ Himself. He declared in Mark 10:45, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Jesus’ service was not only purposeful and sacrificial, but it was joyful—He willingly laid down His life for humanity out of love.
In 2 Corinthians 9:7, we are reminded, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Joyful service reflects a heart that understands the generosity and sacrifice of Christ, and seeks to emulate that same love in serving others.
Modern Application: Serving with Joy in Today’s World
As we reflect on the lessons from Lydia, Tabitha, Martha, and most of all, Jesus, we are challenged to bring this attitude of joyful service into our own lives. Whether we are serving in our local communities, our families, or through specific ministries, our motivation should come from the heart of Christ. In Tamil Nadu, where the Church continues to grow and serve amidst various social and economic challenges, believers are called to serve their neighbors, not out of duty or convenience, but with the same love and joy Christ exemplified.
Conclusion: A Call to Joyful Service
The call to serve is a call to reflect the heart of God. Mark 10:45 reminds us that, just as Jesus came to serve and sacrifice, so are we called to follow in His footsteps. In serving others, we not only meet physical and spiritual needs but also share the greatest gift—introducing them to Christ. By embracing a life of joyful and sacrificial service, we mirror God’s character and participate in His mission to redeem and restore the world.